About the Basinwide Planning Unit
What is Basinwide Planning?
Basinwide water quality planning is a nonregulatory, watershed-based approach to restoring and protecting the quality of North Carolina's surface waters. The Division of Water Quality initiated this approach in 1991 and implemented it voluntarily until 1997. In that year, the North Carolina General Assembly endorsed the Basinwide concept by mandating the preparation of basinwide water quality plans through General Statues (GS) §143-215.8B and GS 143-282. Basinwide water quality plans are prepared by the Basinwide Planning Unit within NC Division of Water Quality (DWQ) for each of the 17 major river basins in the state. Preparation of a basinwide water quality plan is a five-year process, with updates to critical information half way through the cycle. While these plans are prepared by DWQ, their implementation and the protection of water quality entail the coordinated efforts of many agencies, local governments and stakeholder groups in the state. The first cycle of plans was completed in 1998, and currently in fourth cycle.
Goals of Basinwide Water Quality Planning
- Identify water quality problems and restore full use to Impaired waters.
- Identify and protect high value resource waters.
- Protect unimpaired waters yet allow for reasonable economic growth.
DWQ accomplishes these goals through the following objectives:
- Collaborate with other agencies to develop appropriate management strategies.
- Assure equitable distribution of waste assimilative capacity.
- Better evaluate cumulative effects of pollution.
- Improve public awareness and involvement.
Overview of URW Program
Overview of DWQ-SEPA Program